Five energy companies have offered to pay customers up to £100 to use power at off-peak times. National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) said Britain could face three-hour planned power cuts if there is a shortage of gas and the scheme is being set up in the hopes to prevent blackouts this winter.
This has been classed as a worst-case scenario however with system operators insisting it is "unlikely" we'll run out of power. The prospect has still been enough however to prompt several energy companies to draw up compensation schemes for this winter.
Some have been launched under the umbrella of Ofgem's official Demand Flexibility Service, but many energy firms have unveiled their own schemes. The ESO says taking part could save households £100 this winter - but you need to have a smart meter to take part.
